How useful is a 2x72 grinder for just making handles and minor metal shaping?

V

VicKayaker

Joined
Oct 25, 2024
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9
Hi-
I'm a complete beginner at knifemaking, but I've done a lot of woodworking and some hobby machine shop stuff.
For now I'm planning to buy blades and assemble them into knives by adding handles.
I'm only interested in fixed blade knives and the Scandinavian knives like the puukkos , and 'bushcraft-style' knives have caught my eye.
I have a lot of tools but still a bit of space left in the garage. :)
I have a 1x42 and a 4x36 belt sander - both old BusyBee Chinese machines. I also have a 12" bench disc sander and a few sanding drums for the drill press.
The Vevor 2x72 variable speed grinder is appealing to me, and I'm thinking about buying one.
I know I don't 'need' it. :)
Would I find it useful for shaping handles- not only wood but Micarta, Corian, brass, etc...?
Or would it sit unused because the smaller machines are better?
Thanks for your suggestions.
 
Welcome VicKayaker.
Fill out your profile so we know a bit about you and where you live.

I'm with Bart. You have more than sufficient tools to make handles and finish pre-made blades. Make a bunch and see where you go in knifemaking.

TIP: When working on a pre-made blade, dull the edge and then tape up the entire blade up to the ricasso so you won't cut yourself or damage the finished blade surface.
 
to the other side of the answers i have had all of your sanders at one point or another. now the only grinder in the shop is my KMG. big wheels or small and adjustable work rests cover all of what the other sanders used to do. i never got around to getting a surface grinding setup. my KMG is VS and these days there are many grinder brands of the style. only having to stock 2x72 belts and sheet abrasives for hand sanding is nice
 
I didn't see a bandsaw in your list of tools?

For handles I use it more than a grinder.

Files and a rotary tool would serve you well/good enough
 
VicKayaker said:
Thanks for the reply. If I listed all my tools, it would be a much longer post! :) I have a bench-mounted Portaband for metal and a couple of wood-cutting bandsaws, so no worries there.

What width blades do you use to cut handle curves?
Click to expand...

Just use it for general cutting.....

*I Do use my grinder for handles too... But, it's because I got it.

I did what you are doing (rehandling) before I started knife making
 
butcher_block said:
to the other side of the answers i have had all of your sanders at one point or another. now the only grinder in the shop is my KMG. big wheels or small and adjustable work rests cover all of what the other sanders used to do. i never got around to getting a surface grinding setup. my KMG is VS and these days there are many grinder brands of the style. only having to stock 2x72 belts and sheet abrasives for hand sanding is nice
Click to expand...
One thing about the 2x72 that I found attractive was the option to use small rollers- basically the size of the sanding drums I use in the drill press. I really don't like sanding drums - there's so little area that the abrasives don't last long.

I don't know how well those work in practice, though...

I would post a picture but I guess I have to pay to do that?
 
You can post a photo by using a hosting site. The instructions are in the Stickys.
 
VicKayaker said:
One thing about the 2x72 that I found attractive was the option to use small rollers- basically the size of the sanding drums I use in the drill press. I really don't like sanding drums - there's so little area that the abrasives don't last long.

I don't know how well those work in practice, though...

I would post a picture but I guess I have to pay to do that?
Click to expand...

You sound like a bit of a tool hound, like a lot of us. While the Vevor would not be my choice for a 2x72, I do believe you will find the extra capabilities offered by the longer belts and attachments like the small wheels to be a great boon to a shop. If you do significant grinding with your 1x42 or 4x36, you'll fall in love with the big machine. Scalloped 1" belts are great for working handles.
Just my 2¢.
 
i only have 2 small wheels 1/4" annd i think 1/2" maybe 5/8 they are really handy contouring handles (make sure to crank the speed way down or you will burn up the bearings) i also swapped some of my AL 2" wheels to rubber
 
butcher_block said:
i only have 2 small wheels 1/4" and i think 1/2" maybe 5/8 they are really handy contouring handles (make sure to crank the speed way down or you will burn up the bearings) i also swapped some of my AL 2" wheels to rubber
Click to expand...
Thanks for that info. That's a strong argument for a 2x72, for the way I like to work.
 
Scalloped belts for shaping handles are a game changer. A 1" belt will track just fine on a 2" wheel, and they will flex into some pretty tight curves. They don't burn the handle material, and they remove material quick. Even 400 grit will remove material quick, from there it's wet sanding to remove small ridge lines and it's ready for the buffer.
 
I have a North Ridge grinder with the small wheel adapters. But hands down I use a oscillating spindle as my go to for handle shaping. Lots of different drum sizes but the big plus is the awesome dust collection even with a standard shop vac. The table is perfect for resting your hands on to steadily sand the knife handle.

I don't use standard sanding discs though. I believe someone on here but can't remember who, posted pics of wrapping standard sandpaper around the drums and taping top and bottom. I no longer tape but use rubber bands on top and bottom. You just have to be careful to install in the correct rotation direction. At least mine height wise is perfect when a standard piece of sand paper is cut in half. Unlimited grit wise, economical and like I said awesome dust collection.
 
LCoop said:
wrapping standard sandpaper around the drums and taping top and bottom. I no longer tape but use rubber bands on top and bottom. You just have to be careful to install in the correct rotation direction.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'll try that with the drums I use in the drill press. Do you wrap the flat paper around the rubber drum, or on top of the (worn out?) abrasive drum?

I am 'leaning' toward the 2x72 but I need to find a spot for it in my small garage shop. Lotsa head scratching going on here about that. :) And, I am working on a couple of knives using the tools I already have. Lack of tools is not an excuse for me..you can ask my friends (or my spouse...) :)
 
I wrap sand paper around NAKED drums. When it gets used I rewrap the opposite way for new grit. Simple effective and economical. Unlimited grit available. I really like my oscillating spindle sander for the record. Dust collection.PLUS. Table for resting hands on for the drum to adjust up and down to get full use of the sanding drums. DUST COLLECTION with simple shop vac.
 
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LCoop said:
When it gets used I rewrap the opposite way for new grit.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'll try that. Not only are there many more grit choices in sheet sandpaper, but the abrasive quality of the sheet paper I get is a lot higher than the drum abrasives commonly available.
 
LCoop, any chance of getting a picture of your oscillating sander with the sandpaper and rubber bands? I've never used an oscillating sander and am interested.
 
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